Chapter 334: Choice

The sky hasn't fully darkened yet; it's already gradually entering the height of spring, and the weather is warming up.

The servants opened the windows of the Peach Blossom Pavilion, and the warm breeze blowing in carried a faint sweet floral scent.

Gu Jiu Ling leaned against the head pillow on the bed, sipping a cooling sweet soup, as Jiu Yue hurried in.

"Master, Second Lord has arrived, saying he has an urgent matter to discuss with you!"

Gu Jiu Ling was startled by the news; hadn't Gu Kang said there was nothing going on, and that the two siblings should avoid being together?

After all, they belong to different camps; causing controversy would be bad for both of them.

The sky was already darkening, yet he came here in person; this kid is rather bold.

But no one visits the Three Treasures Hall without cause; Gu Kang's urgency must mean something huge happened, otherwise, given his extreme caution, he wouldn't act rashly.

"Please have Second Lord come to the study next door," Gu Jiu Ling said, slowly sitting up, while Jiu Yue hurried forward to support Gu Jiu Ling's arm.

"Replying, Master, Second Lord entered today through the main gate, reported to the front courtyard guards, was escorted by the steward, and is now waiting for you in the main hall, drinking tea."

"He even claimed he came for official business today," Jiu Yue thought and added, "He hasn't even taken off his official robe."

Gu Jiu Ling's expression flickered in surprise; what kind of trick is this?

She quickly changed clothes, led the maids to the front hall, and from a distance saw two book attendants standing neatly by the doorway beside Gu Kang.

With Jiu Yue's assistance, Gu Jiu Ling stepped into the main hall, where she saw Gu Kang, dressed in a light purple official robe, seated at the guest seat, gently sipping tea, while Ling Feng stood beside him.

The Prince is currently not in the residence; any male visitor from outside is accompanied by him and the steward.

Ling Feng hadn't expected Second Lord Gu, in his official robe, to arrive; at first he thought it was about court affairs to see the Prince, not that he came straight to the Princess Consort.

If he were just visiting the Princess Consort to discuss sibling ties, he wouldn't dress so formally; it feels like an official matter.

After all, he's the Princess Consort's own brother; Ling Feng was much more cautious in his reception, showing great respect.

Seeing Gu Jiu Ling enter, Ling Feng quickly bowed and then stood aside, waiting.

Gu Kang rose, bowed to Gu Jiu Ling, and said, "I, a lowly official, have disturbed the Princess Consort; this is a matter ordered by the Emperor, impossible to ignore."

Gu Jiu Ling raised an eyebrow, feeling that when this kid uses official language, his sarcastic tone smells of a treacherous minister.

She quickly smiled, "Lord Gu, you are too courteous; it's so late—what brings you to see me?"

Gu Jiu Ling laughed as she sat on the main seat beside Gu Kang, while Ling Feng, watching, couldn't help but raise a slight brow.

What nonsense are these siblings spouting? Even he, who has followed the Prince and seen much, has never encountered such a routine.

The Prince had instructed him before leaving, to keep an eye on the Princess Consort, especially the men around her.

Even now, with Gu Kang being the Princess Consort's own brother, Ling Feng remains a bit more wary.

Gu Jiu Ling glanced at Ling Feng standing nearby, seeing that his posture indicated no intention to leave.

Gu Kang added a few more official lines, then turned to Gu Jiu Ling and said slowly, "I suppose the Princess Consort has heard; the Chongwen Hall is recently selecting fine poems and essays to exhibit inside."

This initiative aims to encourage the Princess Consort's scholars to study, to promote the Emperor's dedication to civil governance, and to ensure worthy writings are not overlooked—a truly threefold benefit.

The Emperor has ordered this lowly official to select articles throughout Shang Jing, not only those of the students participating in this Spring Examination, but also works by those who regularly write well in Shang Jing.

The last time, the Princess Consort won first prize at the South Mountain Poetry Gathering, taking the top spot; her piece "Five Worms" was said to be deafeningly powerful, capturing hearts and souls.

"I, daringly, ask the Princess Consort if she could provide another one or two pieces for the Chongwen Hall exhibition, so we may behold her talent."

Gu Jiu Ling thought her brother must be insane; she's about to give birth, and he still wants her to write poems for the Chongwen Hall exhibition.

The idea is utterly crazy; to exhibit at Chongwen Hall, the selected winners must personally write their pieces on site and affix their own seal.

If the brother isn't mad, then this kid is deliberately trying to push her to Chongwen Hall—there must be a reason.

She recalled that recently her brother said he would help her leave Shang Jing, and that thought made her heart race.

She lifted her gaze to Gu Kang, who seemed already to understand her mood, meeting her eyes steadily, awaiting her decision.

Should she continue staying in Xiao Yin's Wangfu, mutual suspicion with Xiao Yin, bearing the grandfather's cursed legacy and tormenting each other.

Or seek her own peace, completely leaving this place.

Gu Kang didn't pressure Gu Jiu Ling; instead, he leisurely lifted his teacup, took a gentle sip, as if having spoken too much, he was indeed a bit thirsty.

His movement was natural and fluid, even the sharp‑eyed Ling Feng couldn't see through it.

Gu Kang knew that Xiao Yin had left Shang Jing these past few days, and he was increasingly amazed by Mr. Wen's intelligence network left behind, which was simply too precise.

Thus he chose to make this move at this moment.

The elder sister's chance comes only this once; otherwise, when that madman Xiao Yin returns, it may not be so easy to leave.

Xiao Yin may not be the seemingly mad martial man; even Mr. Wen told him to remember not to clash with Xiao Yin now, to avoid his sharp edge.

But sitting opposite is his own elder sister; this edge will eventually meet, so let them both be drawn into the game.

Gu Kang kept his composure, giving his elder sister time to think, and slowly smiled, "Princess Consort, please consider; the Emperor has been pressing these past days, many matters need urgent handling."

"I previously thought it inconvenient to bother my elder sister, but Mr. Wen can't stop praising her literary talent and hopes she can do a favor; it won't take much time."

"Elder sister, just take some time to go to Chongwen Hall and, without sparing ink, write one or two pieces."

Gu Jiu Ling felt her heart as if being violently yanked, with a lingering sharp pain.

She sighed to herself, asking what she was still lingering for.

Longing for the gentleness and warmth Xiao Yin once gave her?

Even if Xiao Yin could spare her, how could she face that man?

Moreover, Xiao Yin had constantly avoided her, and there was still a gap.

Enough! Leaving is good for both!

She suppressed the pain in her eyes, not daring to reveal any sorrow from parting; if Ling Feng caught a hint, it would be trouble.

She smiled lightly, "Fine, you're my own brother; I'll give you a favor—any prize?"

Gu Kang and the standing Ling Feng were both taken aback; Ling Feng couldn't help but smile inwardly—indeed, greed for wealth is the Princess Consort's true nature.

Gu Jiu Ling continued with a half‑serious smile, "Lord Gu, as siblings we settle accounts clearly; I won't do anything without money!"

"At least five hundred taels as a starting price!"

Gu Kang genuinely furrowed his brows, secretly amused.

The honor that scholars in Shang Jing scramble for starts at a minimum of five hundred taels with the elder sister.

But saying it like this is the truth!

He also knew the elder sister's thoughts.